Over head garage door openers used to be big bulky machines that made so much noise it could wake the dead. They were a nightmare to install, and with so many complicated parts, more than one frustrated homeowner probably ended up either spending extra money on a professional installation, or it just wound up in the trash. This is sad, considering these early units could run well over $500. Some other problems which also occurred were with the remote control opener.

Now an overhead garage door opener had a remote, which was to whole point of these openers, ’so you can open your garage from the comfort and safety of your own car,’ was one of the little motto statements in the early commercials. However, it never worked quite the way you wanted it. First it was big and bulky, larger than most digital cameras these days. Ironically, even though they were so huge, they often ‘grew’ legs and disappeared, leaving many a frustrated motorist, who still had to get out in the rain to open their garage anyway. That or you would sit in the car, hitting the remote, while nothing happened, to your door. However, right next door, if they had an opener, your remote made theirs operate.

Today’s overhead garage door openers are much more advanced, and cheaper. They have not only stopped being a luxury, but almost common place. With high tech gears and the different types of drives now available, chain, screw drive, belts, and even torsion bars, they can be relatively quiet. The electronics are much more sophisticated now, and your remote with not only just open your door, but universal remotes are now widely available and easily programmed to your system. Since every system is set up separately, you no longer have to worry about opening your neighbors garage instead of yours.

Today’s overhead garage door openers come in many brands, most that can be purchased for well under two hundred dollars, and can be set up by people with just the basic of skills and a little time. There are also many retailers that sell a variety of models, including Sears, Home Depot and Ace Hardware, just to name a few. There are certainly easy to find, both online and at retail storefronts.

For a really inexpensive bargain, Home Depot offers the Chamberlain ½Hp Screw Drive overhead garage door opener. It’s screw driver makes it quiet and reliable. It’s ½Hp motor has the strength and power to open even some of the toughest doors, and comes with a three piece, easy to install rail system. It features a multi function control panel and one button remote, and two safety sensors, to prevent accidental injury. This whole system, minus installation, retails for just under $150.

With prices this low, it is no wonder why so many have an overhead garage door opener now. Many people who are building houses have even begun installing these openers as standard in many garages. When purchasing your opener, make sure that it has at least a three year warranty. Get the best one you can, because they are built stronger and will last longer than one without a warranty.